Cadillac Summer Shootout: Next Generation

The Cadillac Summer Shootout was not as top heavy as it was in previous years in terms of upperclassmen talent. However, there was a talented group of underclassmen who filled in that gap. Following are six that caught my eye from Tuesday and Thursday action.   **all players are 2029 Freshman soon to be Sophomore prospects**   [player_tooltip player_id='2802595' first='Mikey' last='Bauman'] 6-3 2029 Traverse City St Francis (pictured) What a difference a year (or less) can make in development. When I last saw Bauman, he appeared to be struggling to carve out his role in St Francis' 10 man two-unit rotation. That should not be a problem this year based on what I saw on Thursday. Played well off the ball last year. Now appears to be very comfortable and efficient as a primary ball handler. Played well in two man situations. Not the quickest player straight ahead. But used screens well and attacked when a got a defender on his hip. Accordingly got into the lane often. Once there played well off of two feet. Giving multiple options both off of a shot or pass. Played well with both hands and shot it well in the mid-range. Still has some room to grow in terms of strength and development. But has come a long way in a short period of time.   Cal McFadden 6-4 2029 Hemlock The "biggest" player in the field. The quotes are intentional and needed because I didn't say tallest. A very wide frame and thick lower base make this player a load in the paint. More than just a bruiser though. A bit of "dancing bear" as he is very mobile and light on his feet. Also has soft touch around basket that belies his girth. Isn't timid at all and does not mind contact. That is a tough combination to deal with. Is an excellent passer out of the high post and was more than capable of initiating offense as a point forward/post. Also showed a clutch gene in hitting a game winning buzzer beater against a good Onekama squad (see below) Type of frame that doesn't need to play 15U AAU ball. Accordingly, has tested himself playing up two grade levels with [program_tooltip program_id='2429901' first='REAL' last='Basketball']'s top squad on the Grassroots Basketball League. How his body grows will determine his future and positional home on the hardwood. Right now, he is major matchup nightmare at the Division III level.   [player_tooltip player_id='2873740' first='Hudson' last='Worm'] 6-2 Frankfort Continued to show the perimeter game that appeared so ready for varsity basketball last season. Similar to Bauman in showing a seemingly natural ability to get into the lane easily and play off of two feet. A bit of throwback in that he seems to really be comfortable in the mid-range. Gets there with a good ballhandling skillset. However not point guard at this point of development. Isn't far off though, as he has good court vision and live dribble passing. Would have a lot of upside with excellent positional size at the point. Bight future and the development curve continues to be pointed up.   Troy Frysinger 6-3 2029 Frankfort It was good to just see Frysinger out on the court. A serious leg injury impacted the start of his career. Appeared to still be favoring his leg throughout his participation throughout the week. Despite his extended absence appeared taller and stronger than when I saw him in this gym last summer. As I hard working son of a big time college athlete. I imagine he might have worked on his upper body while his leg healed. While he seemed slightly rusty as ball handler. He shot the ball very well from beyond the arc. With a fluid and smooth release. Might need to speed it up a bit as he grows. Certainly works at the moment. If he can stay healthy, should form a dynamic underclass duo with [player_tooltip player_id='2873740' first='Hudson' last='Worm'] (see above) and lead the Panthers back to postseason success after a brief hiatus.   [player_tooltip player_id='2468116' first='Bennett' last='Zeller'] 5-10 Onekama Just down the road from the Frankfort duo is another freshman standout with postseason success already on his resume. When I last saw Zeller, he was coming up big in the clutch to lead the Portagers to a regional final over undefeated Traverse City Christian. Rinse repeat on Tuesday afternoon. Played with confidence late in helping Onekema take Hemlock down to the buzzer. Not the biggest prospect but showed no fear in attacking big frontline (see above) Keeps defenders honest with deep range on the perimeter. Continues to test himself against good competition as he is active in grassroots basketball.   Zane Geeseman 6-5 McBain Some schools produce tough as nails point guards by the plenty. Some schools have a knack for producing big skilled wings (see host Cadillac). The storied Rambler program is the rare program that has an assembly line of big physical posts. Geeseman is far from a finished product. Isn't going to do much outside of the paint. That being said, McBain isn't going to need him to. Has a wide lower frame and thick broad shoulders. Runs the court serviceably for his age and size. Will need to get quicker to take the next step. Showed good hands and a soft touch around the basket. Will be important player for the Ramblers this year. If he can hold up down low, he will allow senior star [player_tooltip player_id='2276657' first='Clayton' last='Heuker'] to operate in his preferred high post area

The Cadillac Summer Shootout was not as top heavy as it was in previous years in terms of upperclassmen talent. However, there was a talented group of underclassmen who filled in that gap. Following are six that caught my eye from Tuesday and Thursday action.